Beyond the Book with Drs. Pace and Six: “Equipped to Serve”

At Southeastern, Pace serves as the provost and professor of preaching and pastoral ministry, and Six serves as the vice president for institutional advancement. In the following Q&A, Pace and Six take some time to answer some questions about their new book and its purpose.

What inspired the creation of this book?

Pace: Primarily, we wanted to demonstrate the relevance of theological education for ministry preparation by highlighting the practical value of the various academic disciplines represented in our degree programs. We also wanted to showcase our world-class faculty who blend their formal education with decades of ministry experience to provide the richest seminary training possible that equips our students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.

Who is the audience of “Equipped to Serve,” and what mindset should they have when reading it?

Six: This book is designed to help those who are considering theological education and asking why theological education ought to be part of their ministry preparation. Further, this work provides an excellent overview of what our students learn through the curriculum here at Southeastern. So, anyone considering theological education and curious about how the various disciplines shape and prepare them for the work of ministry should read this book.

How does this book uniquely contribute to the conversation surrounding ministry preparation and theological education?

Pace: This book is unique because each chapter is written by a different faculty member who is an expert in their respective field and can best explain the more technical aspects of their discipline and why it is useful in ministry.

What do students receive from a seminary education that they cannot gain from practical experience?

Six: Practical experience is invaluable for our students, yet many assume they must choose between hands-on ministry and theological education. The best preparation for ministry integrates both. Seminary education is essential to the health and vitality of the church because it provides dedicated time to build theological foundations and develop the skills necessary to rightly interpret God’s word. It also helps students discern and refine their calling while cultivating precision in language, critical thinking, leadership, and lifelong learning. Most importantly, seminary training forges biblical orthodoxy and nurtures missional faithfulness.

Seminary education is essential to the health and vitality of the church because it provides dedicated time to build theological foundations and develop the skills necessary to rightly interpret God’s word.

What are some of the pitfalls students encounter when they discount certain disciplines within their seminary education?

Pace: When students overlook or minimize certain fields of study, they risk building their ministry without a key biblical, theological, historical, philosophical, or missional piece that will be crucial for their sustained success as they serve the Lord. They can also become very imbalanced in their theological training by only focusing on subjects that are most familiar or preferable to them. Or, by just trying to get through a class, they can begin to approach all of their seminary education as a “box to check” or “hoop to jump through,” rather than as an essential part of being equipped to fulfill their calling.

How can churches support those within their congregation who feel called to pursue theological education?

Six: Church and pastoral leaders are vital to the future health of the church, particularly within the SBC. Now more than ever, leaders must recover the practice of raising up and calling out men for pastoral ministry and others for the work of ministry. We are already witnessing a shortage of pastors, and our convention may soon face a critical crossroad.

Now more than ever, leaders must recover the practice of raising up and calling out men for pastoral ministry and others for the work of ministry.

At the same time, churches must not view seminaries as competition but as trusted partners in preparing and equipping those called to serve. Congregations should be intentional about sending and supporting their members who are pursuing ministry training. While online education offers valuable opportunities, the richest form of theological formation still happens in person. The classroom environment, the mentorship, and the lifelong relationships forged in a seminary community are truly irreplaceable.

Finally, churches must demonstrate how deeply they value the next generation of leaders by providing tangible support — especially financial assistance — for those preparing for ministry. Investing in their training is an investment in the future health and mission of the church.